The older I get the more surprised I am at how fast time moves. To me it seems like New Year’s Eve was only a few weeks ago! How did summer arrive so quickly? I find myself wondering this each year. How is it that my birthday is approaching and with it the astronomical event that marks the official beginning of summer season here in the Northern Hemisphere?
Summer Solstice, also known as Midsummer and Litha, usually occurs sometime between June 20 and 23 each year. It is the time of year when the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun resulting in the longest time of daylight, or longest day, in the Northern Hemisphere.
The term solstice is a combination of two Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). Nowhere is this more noticeable than in the constant daylight the summer solstice brings to the Arctic Circle. This phenomenon led to the Arctic Circle being called, “The Land of the Midnight Sun.” The summer solstice has been celebrated all over the world since ancient times with festivals of singing, dancing and rejoicing at the beauty of life.
How can you bring this ancient custom into your modern–day life?
Here are a few simple steps and ideas to create a ritual of celebration that can be done at any time throughout the day on the summer solstice without a lot of preparation or special equipment and allow you to celebrate even while social distancing.
Step 1: As with any spiritual work, prior to taking action spend some time reflecting on your life. I do my best to keep my thoughts and emotions positive and hopeful as I believe that vibrating with the energy of love is the greatest healer whether you are fighting a physical illness or experiencing the darkest of times emotionally or mentally.
Step 2: Once you have completed this self-examination and recounted both the hardships and blessings of your life, set your intention for what you wish to be and do in the world throughout the summer season. Hold this vision in your mind as you go about your daily interactions.
Step 3: Choose your action of celebration based on the result of your self-reflection and personal intention, regardless of whether you are completing your ritual solo or as part of a group.
For those of you who may be at a loss for an action step, I offer these suggestions:
- Summer solstice is a time of planting seeds.If possible, visit a garden or plant seeds in your own outdoor space. If you don’t have your own outdoor space start an indoor hydroponic garden.
- Summer solstice is a time of newness. Create something new! Allow your inner artist to shine! Make a mandala. Write a song, a story, a prayer or a poem. Express your intention through art.
- Summer solstice is a time of pilgrimage. Many around the world travel to sacred sites like Stonehenge to watch the sun rise. This year the sunrise at Stonehenge will be live streamed on social media by English Heritage. This is a link to the English Heritage Facebook page for anyone interested in viewing it live.
However you choose to mark the summer solstice is up to you! I do hope you celebrate it in some way. It is a blessing to be alive and experience the beauty of the earth in all seasons.
